I am reading these torque tube troubles with a vested interest. I have a
torque tube with some surface rust and my immediate view would be to replace
the torque tube but for the fact of the job that it would entail.
On a previous thread (a year or more ago) I read about the "earlier" torque
tubes for the pre-XS Europas were not a standard dimension. Therefore the
current torque tubes as supplied by the factory for the XS models will not
be an exact fit for what I would like to replace. I believe I will have to
work on the elevators as well as having the difficulty of extracting the
torque tube itself.
Has anyone experienced removing a torque tube in order to replace it and can
offer some advice?
At the moment my LAA inspector is reviewing what we have once I have cleaned
up the torque tube after rubbing down wet with WD-40 with 800 grade
sandpaper. If the tube looks too far gone after this exercise then I will
not have any choice but to replace.
Robert Hatton
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rob Housman
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 6:43 PM
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tailplane torque tube troubles
Actually my point about not using it was to alert the others monitoring the
list that no matter how slight a defect such as you have seen, not to use
any part with plating that is peeling.
I would not recommend re-plating. Although it is possible to remove the
nickel, for example by immersing the part in nitric acid, possible (likely?)
damage to the substrate would make the part less than airworthy in my
opinion. The steel tube is so cheap that it would not be economical to
spend the time to repair it - replacement is the likely answer you'll get
---From the factory.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Irvine, CA
Europa XS Tri-Gear
A070
Airframe complete
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rick Stockton
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 6:18 PM
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tailplane torque tube troubles
Thanks Rob, Yes, I know not to use it, but now what do I do. ?Get a new
part from England or have this one replated? Still waiting for John to get
back to me.
Rob Housman <rob@hyperion-ef.com> wrote:
My business is plating, including nickel plating. When electrodeposited
nickel does not adhere to the substrate it is indicative of inadequate
cleaning and activation of the substrate. DO NOT install any parts that
have the plated metal peeling because the problem will only get worse as
more material peels.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Irvine, CA
Europa XS Tri-Gear
A070
Airframe complete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Graham
Singleton
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 12:41 AM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Tailplane torque tube troubles
Rick
loose plating might give you trouble with tailplane removal, the fit in
the tailplane bushes is quite tight.
Get it replaced or replated, that should not happen
Graham
Rick Stockton wrote:
> I installed the tail plane torque tube a couple of days ago and strayed
> it with AFS-50 then wiped it down with MEK. I noticed that the plating
> is flaking off on one side. I sent an E-mail to John asking him what he
> thinks I need to do.
>
> Are there any ideals? Have it replated, buy a new one?
>
> *
>
>
> *
--
Graham Singleton
Tel: +441629820187
Mob:
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